I have been thinking all day what I was going to write about today. I have been very busy making all kinds of decorations and 4 cakes but this post has been on my mind. I have heard a lot of people saying how discouraged they are and how they get upset when they go to the store and only get a little savings as apposed to the big savings they want. Some people have been down right mean about the size of their stockpile. Seriously! I am not making this up. I actually saw just yesterday someone post the size of their stockpile how happy they were and just a general nice happy post, then someone who did not have as much and was in my opinion, sucking on some sour grapes, starts drama. All because hers was not as big as the other girls. Seriously, isn't this argument reserved for the guys??
With that said, this takes time, patience, planning, and organization. Now don't let those words scare you! I personally have no time, little patience, I do love to plan, but my organization needs some help too. However I make it work. I am a busy mom of 2. Those 2 do school from home in a virtual school, however I am still their primary teacher. I work from home, when I say I work I mean I have a few online jobs and even my own little boutique that I do craft fairs and sale online. Obviously I also do all the normal day to day things so yes, I have very little time. I use those brief breaks in my day or the time I manage to steal for myself to hunt and gather coupons and deals. Patience because while it may start out small and you may not show a huge savings right away, it will come! In no time you will be asking yourself, "Where am I going to put my next haul at?" If you just have patience it will come, I promise! I had taken a very long break from coupons because, well life got in the way is the easiest way to put it. I decided I was spending too much money and got back into it. I have now been back for only six weeks and I have a lot built back up. My stock pile includes (about) 60 pasta sauce, 20 Alfredo sauce, 40 small boxes of tea bags, 10 toothpaste, 15 jello, 15 pudding, 30 shave gels, 15 various packs of razors, 30 shampoo/ conditioner, 10 body wash, 10 pkgs stayfree, 8 vitamins, 6 female deodorants, 14 male deodorant, 3 pkgs chap stick, 35 boxes cereal, 10 Kraft mayo, 20 knoor sides, 12 uncle bens rice, 7 lbs hamburger, 2 large bags of frozen whiting, 2 bags frozen chicken breast, and 4 pkgs pork chops. Now this is just what I have now, I have been using a lot of this over the past 6 weeks so I have had a lot more. But I have not paid more than about 100.00 each month. I know I have more in the freezer and cabinets too. This is just what comes to my mind. So you see it can happen.
Now I am by no means saying this is what is going to happen for everyone. A lot of it depends on what sales hit. I have been very lucky and have gotten in on a lot of great sales.
A very important part is to plan! Make sure to check match-up sites, forums, and sale ads before the actual sale hits. This will give you extra time to plan and gather your coupons. If you need to order more or trade someone this also allows you the extra time. This is one of the most important things to remember. Always pre-plan your trip! Do not walk blindly into a store hoping to get a great deal, it will not happen!
Keep your coupons organized in which ever manner you choose but always keep them organized. If you cant put them up right away DO NOT CLIP THEM! They will become a scattered mess and this is not a good thing.
Just some tips to follow and trust me, YOU CAN DO IT!
Happy savings! :)